U.S. patent application number 16/013531 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for communication system and method for elevator system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Otis Elevator Company. Invention is credited to Xiaofei Guo, Wenbo Huang.
Application Number | 20180370758 16/013531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62748831 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180370758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Wenbo ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELEVATOR SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided is a communication system and a communication method
for use in an elevator system, which belong to the field of
elevator intelligent control technologies. The communication system
of the present invention comprises: a first bluetooth module
mounted in an elevator landing area of the elevator system and a
second bluetooth module mounted in an elevator car of the elevator
system. The communication system and the communication method of
the present invention can realize that a passenger completes an
elevator calling operation in a completely hand-free mode, which is
easy to realize and is low in cost.
Inventors: |
Huang; Wenbo; (Shanghai,
CN) ; Guo; Xiaofei; (Shanghai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Otis Elevator Company |
Farmington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62748831 |
Appl. No.: |
16/013531 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66B 2201/102 20130101;
B66B 2201/4653 20130101; B66B 1/50 20130101; B66B 2201/4623
20130101; B66B 1/3461 20130101; B66B 1/468 20130101; B66B 1/2408
20130101; B66B 1/3453 20130101; B66B 2201/4638 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B66B 1/34 20060101
B66B001/34; B66B 1/24 20060101 B66B001/24; B66B 1/46 20060101
B66B001/46; B66B 1/50 20060101 B66B001/50 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2017 |
CN |
201710480417.6 |
Claims
1. A communication system for use in an elevator system,
characterized by comprising: a first bluetooth module for
broadcasting a first bluetooth signal and automatically
establishing a first bluetooth connection with a personal mobile
terminal based on the first bluetooth signal, and receiving an
elevator calling request command regarding an elevator calling
direction sent from the personal mobile terminal when establishing
the first bluetooth connection; and a second bluetooth module for
broadcasting a second bluetooth signal and automatically
establishing a second bluetooth connection with the personal mobile
terminal based on the second bluetooth signal, and receiving a
target floor registration command sent from the personal mobile
terminal when establishing the second bluetooth connection, wherein
the first bluetooth module is mounted in an elevator landing area
of the elevator system, and the second bluetooth module is mounted
in an elevator car of the elevator system.
2. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is configured to automatically
establish the first bluetooth connection or the second bluetooth
connection with only one of the first bluetooth module and the
second bluetooth module at a certain moment.
3. The communication system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
automatically establish the second bluetooth connection with the
second bluetooth module after the first bluetooth connection
previously established thereby with the first bluetooth module is
disconnected.
4. The communication system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
automatically establish the first bluetooth connection when the
signal strength of the first bluetooth signal received thereby
changes from relatively weak to equal to or greater than a first
strength value; and/or automatically establish the second bluetooth
connection when the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal
received thereby changes from relatively weak to equal to or
greater than a second strength value.
5. The communication system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
substantially determine the distance from the personal mobile
terminal to the first bluetooth module according to the signal
strength of the first bluetooth signal received thereby, and
automatically establish the first bluetooth connection when the
distance is smaller than or equal to a first distance threshold
value; and/or substantially determine the distance from the
personal mobile terminal to the second bluetooth module according
to the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal received
thereby, and automatically establish the second bluetooth
connection when the distance is smaller than or equal to a second
distance threshold value.
6. The communication system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in
that the second distance threshold value is equal to or greater
than 0.7 meter and is smaller than or equal to 1 meter, and the
first distance threshold value is greater than the second distance
threshold value.
7. The communication system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
automatically wake up from a sleep mode when the signal strength of
the first bluetooth signal received thereby changes from relatively
weak to equal to or greater than the first strength value.
8. The communication system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in
that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
automatically wake up from a sleep mode when the distance therefrom
to the first bluetooth module is smaller than or equal to the first
distance threshold value.
9. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the first bluetooth module is further configured to return a
first confirmation message to the personal mobile terminal after
receiving the elevator calling request command; and the personal
mobile terminal is further configured to actively disconnect the
first bluetooth connection based on the first confirmation message
received; and/or the second bluetooth module is further configured
to return a second confirmation message to the personal mobile
terminal after receiving the target floor registration command; and
the personal mobile terminal is further configured to actively
disconnect the second bluetooth connection based on the second
confirmation message received, wherein the first confirmation
message indicates that the elevator calling request command is
successfully accepted by the elevator system, and the second
confirmation message indicates that the target floor registration
command is successfully accepted by the elevator system.
10. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized
in that the first bluetooth module is configured to respectively
establish the first bluetooth connection with a plurality of
personal mobile terminals in sequence; and/or the second bluetooth
module is configured to respectively establish the second bluetooth
connection with a plurality of personal mobile terminals in
sequence.
11. The communication system as claimed in claim 9, characterized
in that the personal mobile terminal is further configured to
automatically enter a sleep mode after the second bluetooth
connection is disconnected.
12. The communication system as claimed in claim 9, characterized
in that the first bluetooth signal and/or the second bluetooth
signal comprise(s) a wake-up signal for waking up the personal
mobile terminal, and the personal mobile terminal is further
configured to automatically wake up from the sleep mode after
receiving the wake-up signal.
13. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized
in that the first bluetooth signal comprises a data signal that
reflects a universally unique identifier of the first bluetooth
module and/or first floor location information about where the
first bluetooth module is located; and/or the second bluetooth
signal comprises a data signal that reflects a universally unique
identifier of the second bluetooth module and/or second floor
location information about where the second bluetooth module is
located.
14. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized
in that the first bluetooth module and/or the second bluetooth
module are/is bluetooth low energy modules/a bluetooth low energy
module.
15. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, characterized
in that the first bluetooth module is integratedly arranged in an
elevator calling control panel of the elevator system, wherein a
first communication connection is established between the elevator
calling control panel and an elevator controller of the elevator
system, and a second communication connection is established
between the first bluetooth module and the elevator calling control
panel; and/or the second bluetooth module is integratedly arranged
in a floor registration control panel of the elevator system,
wherein a third communication connection is established between the
floor registration control panel and the elevator controller of the
elevator system, and a fourth communication connection is
established between the second bluetooth module and the floor
registration control panel.
16. The communication system as claimed in claim 15, characterized
in that the first communication connection and the third
communication connection are remote serial connections, and the
second communication connection and the fourth communication
connection are serial port connections.
17. The communication system as claimed in claim 15, characterized
in that the first bluetooth module is further configured to be able
to send, based on the first communication connection and the second
communication connection, to the elevator controller an instruction
for acquiring information stored by the elevator controller from
the elevator controller, and send out the information by way of
bluetooth to a digital terminal which has been authorized to
establish a bluetooth connection with it.
18. The communication system as claimed in claim 17, characterized
in that the information stored by the elevator controller comprises
at least one type of the following information: running state
information, historical running status information, repairing or
maintenance record information.
19. An elevator system, characterized by comprising: a
communication system as claimed in claim 1; and an elevator
controller for controlling the running of one or more elevator cars
in the elevator system, wherein the elevator controller is coupled
to the first bluetooth module and the second bluetooth module and
controls the running of the one or more elevator cars in the
elevator system at least in response to the elevator calling
request command and/or the target floor registration command.
20. A communication method for performing an elevator calling
operation in an elevator system, characterized by comprising steps
of: receiving a first bluetooth signal broadcasted by a first
bluetooth module mounted in an elevator landing area of the
elevator system; automatically establishing a first bluetooth
connection between a personal mobile terminal and the first
bluetooth module based on the first bluetooth signal; sending an
elevator calling request command regarding an elevator calling
direction to the first bluetooth module; disconnecting the first
bluetooth connection; after disconnecting the first bluetooth
connection, receiving a second bluetooth signal broadcasted by a
second bluetooth module mounted in an elevator car of the elevator
system; automatically establishing a second bluetooth connection
between the personal mobile terminal and the second bluetooth
module based on the second bluetooth signal; the personal mobile
terminal sending a target floor registration command to the second
bluetooth module; and disconnecting the second bluetooth
connection.
21. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
in that in the step of automatically establishing the first
bluetooth connection, the first bluetooth connection is
automatically established when the signal strength of the first
bluetooth signal received changes from relatively weak to equal to
or greater than a first strength value; and/or in the step of
automatically establishing the second bluetooth connection, the
second bluetooth connection is automatically established when the
signal strength of the second bluetooth signal received changes
from relatively weak to equal to or greater than a second strength
value.
22. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
in that in the step of automatically establishing the first
bluetooth connection, the distance from the personal mobile
terminal to the first bluetooth module is substantially determined
according to the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal
received by the personal mobile terminal, and the first bluetooth
connection is automatically established when the distance is
smaller than or equal to a first distance threshold value; and/or
in the step of automatically establishing the second bluetooth
connection, the distance from the personal mobile terminal to the
second bluetooth module is substantially determined according to
the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal received by the
personal mobile terminal, and the second bluetooth connection is
automatically established when the distance is smaller than or
equal to a second distance threshold value.
23. The communication method as claimed in claim 22, characterized
in that the second distance threshold value is equal to or greater
than 0.7 meter and is smaller than or equal to 1 meter, and the
first distance threshold value is greater than the second distance
threshold value.
24. The communication method as claimed in claim 21, characterized
by further comprising a wake-up step before automatically
establishing the first bluetooth connection: enabling the personal
mobile terminal to automatically wake up from the sleep mode when
the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal received by the
personal mobile terminal changes from relatively weak to equal to
or greater than the first strength value.
25. The communication method as claimed in claim 22, characterized
by further comprising a wake-up step before automatically
establishing the first bluetooth connection: enabling the personal
mobile terminal to automatically wake up from the sleep mode when
the distance from the personal mobile terminal to the first
bluetooth module is smaller than or equal to the first distance
threshold value.
26. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
by further comprising a step of: receiving a first confirmation
message indicating that the elevator calling request command is
successfully accepted by the elevator system; and in the step of
disconnecting the first bluetooth connection, actively
disconnecting the first bluetooth connection once the first
confirmation message is received.
27. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
by further comprising a step of: receiving a second confirmation
message indicating that the target floor registration command is
successfully accepted by the elevator system; and in the step of
disconnecting the second bluetooth connection, actively
disconnecting the second bluetooth connection once the second
confirmation message is received.
28. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
by further comprising a step of: after disconnecting the second
bluetooth connection, the personal mobile terminal automatically
entering a sleep mode.
29. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
in that in the step of receiving the first bluetooth signal
broadcasted by the first bluetooth module, the first bluetooth
signal comprises a wake-up signal for waking up the personal mobile
terminal, and the personal mobile terminal automatically wakes up
from the sleep mode after receiving the wake-up signal.
30. The communication method as claimed in claim 20, characterized
in that the first bluetooth signal comprises a data signal that
reflects a universally unique identifier of the first bluetooth
module and/or first floor location information about where the
first bluetooth module is located; and/or the second bluetooth
signal comprises a data signal that reflects a universally unique
identifier of the second bluetooth module and/or second floor
location information about where the second bluetooth module is
located.
31. A communication method for performing an elevator calling
operation in an elevator system, wherein a first bluetooth module
mounted in an elevator landing area of the elevator system
broadcasts a first bluetooth signal, and a second bluetooth module
mounted in an elevator car of the elevator system broadcasts a
second bluetooth signal, characterized in that the method comprises
steps of: the first bluetooth signal being received by a personal
mobile terminal near the first bluetooth module; automatically
establishing a first bluetooth connection between the personal
mobile terminal and the first bluetooth module based on the first
bluetooth signal; the first bluetooth module receiving an elevator
calling request command regarding an elevator calling direction
sent from the personal mobile terminal; disconnecting the first
bluetooth connection; the second bluetooth signal being received by
the personal mobile terminal near the second bluetooth module;
automatically establishing a second bluetooth connection between
the personal mobile terminal and the second bluetooth module based
on the second bluetooth signal; the second bluetooth module
receiving a target floor registration command sent from the
personal mobile terminal; and disconnecting the second bluetooth
connection.
32. The communication method as claimed in claim 31, characterized
by further comprising steps of: after the first bluetooth module
receives the elevator calling request command, returning a first
confirmation message to the personal mobile terminal; and/or after
the second bluetooth module receives the target floor registration
command, returning a second confirmation message to the personal
mobile terminal.
33. The communication method as claimed in claim 31, characterized
in that the first bluetooth signal comprises a data signal that
reflects a universally unique identifier of the first bluetooth
module and/or first floor location information about where the
first bluetooth module is located; and/or the second bluetooth
signal comprises a data signal that reflects a universally unique
identifier of the second bluetooth module and/or second floor
location information about where the second bluetooth module is
located.
34. The communication method as claimed in claim 31, characterized
in that the steps of automatically establishing the first bluetooth
connection, receiving the elevator calling request command and
disconnecting the first bluetooth connection are successively
performed, so as to successively realize communication with each
personal mobile terminal that receives the first bluetooth
signal.
35. The communication method as claimed in claim 31, characterized
in that the steps of automatically establishing the second
bluetooth connection, receiving the target floor registration
command and disconnecting the second bluetooth connection are
successively performed, so as to successively realize communication
with each personal mobile terminal that receives the second
bluetooth signal.
36. The communication method as claimed in claim 31, characterized
in that the personal mobile terminal establishes the first
bluetooth connection or the second bluetooth connection with only
one of the first bluetooth module and the second bluetooth module
at a certain moment.
37. A personal mobile terminal, characterized in that the personal
mobile terminal is configured to be able to receive a first
bluetooth signal broadcasted by a first bluetooth module mounted in
an elevator landing area of the elevator system and be able to
receive a second bluetooth signal broadcasted by a second bluetooth
module mounted in an elevator car of the elevator system, wherein
the personal mobile terminal comprises: a bluetooth connection
management module for successively automatically establishing a
first bluetooth connection with the first bluetooth module and a
second bluetooth connection with the second bluetooth module
respectively based on the first bluetooth signal and the second
bluetooth signal; a first command sending module for automatically
sending an elevator calling request command regarding an elevator
calling direction to the corresponding first bluetooth module when
the first bluetooth connection is established; and a second command
sending module for automatically sending the target floor
registration command to the corresponding second bluetooth module
when the second bluetooth connection is established.
38. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the personal mobile terminal further
comprises: a command generation module for generating the elevator
calling request command and/or the target floor registration
command based on a personalized configuration.
39. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
configured to automatically establish the first bluetooth
connection or the second bluetooth connection with only one of the
first bluetooth module and the second bluetooth module at a certain
moment.
40. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further used for determining the signal strength of the received
first bluetooth signal and/or second bluetooth signal.
41. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 40,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further used for automatically establishing the first bluetooth
connection when the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal
received thereby changes from relatively weak to equal to or
greater than a first strength value; and/or automatically
establishing the second bluetooth connection when the signal
strength of the second bluetooth signal received thereby changes
from relatively weak to equal to or greater than a second strength
value.
42. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 40,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module
further comprises: a distance determination submodule for
substantially determining the distance from the personal mobile
terminal to the first bluetooth module according to the signal
strength of the first bluetooth signal, and/or substantially
determining the distance from the personal mobile terminal to the
second bluetooth module according to the signal strength of the
second bluetooth signal and automatically establishing the second
bluetooth connection when the distance is smaller than or equal to
a second distance threshold value.
43. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 42,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further configured to: automatically establish the first bluetooth
connection when the distance from the personal mobile terminal to
the first bluetooth module is smaller than or equal to a first
distance threshold value, and/or automatically establish the second
bluetooth connection when the distance from the personal mobile
terminal to the second bluetooth module is smaller than or equal to
the second distance threshold value.
44. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 43,
characterized in that the second distance threshold value is equal
to or greater than 0.7 meter and is smaller than or equal to 1
meter, and the first distance threshold value is greater than the
second distance threshold value.
45. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module
further comprises: a recognition submodule for recognizing the
first bluetooth signal and determining a floor location where the
first bluetooth module is located.
46. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further used for actively disconnecting the first bluetooth
connection based on a first confirmation message received, wherein
the first confirmation message indicates that the elevator calling
request command is successfully accepted by the elevator
system.
47. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further used for actively disconnecting the second bluetooth
connection based on a second confirmation message received, wherein
the second confirmation message indicates that the target floor
registration command is successfully accepted by the elevator
system.
48. The personal mobile terminal as claimed in claim 37,
characterized in that the bluetooth connection management module is
further used for recognizing the second bluetooth signal to acquire
an elevator car corresponding to the second bluetooth module.
49. A personal mobile terminal, characterized by comprising a
memory, a processor and a computer program that is stored in the
memory and can run on the processor, wherein the processor realizes
steps of the communication method as claimed in claim 19 when
executing the program.
50. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program
thereon, characterized in that the program is executed by a
processor to realize steps of the method as claimed in claim 19.
Description
FOREIGN PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application No. 201710480417.6, filed Jun. 22, 2017, and all the
benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, the
contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention belongs to the field of Elevator
intelligent control technologies, and relates to a communication
system and a communication method which realize the automatic
completion of an elevator calling operation in a hand free mode by
utilizing bluetooth interaction between a first bluetooth module as
well as a second bluetooth module and a personal mobile terminal,
and an elevator system using the communication system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In an existing elevator system, one of the common modes of
elevator calling operation is: a passenger manually presses a
certain elevator calling button on an elevator calling control
panel mounted in an elevator landing area to input an elevator
calling request command for traveling upward or traveling downward,
and then, after entering a certain elevator car, the passenger
manually presses a certain floor button on a target floor
registration control panel mounted in each elevator car to input a
target floor. Such an elevator calling operation mode needs to be
completed through manual operations; moreover, especially when the
passenger's hands are incapable of performing the above-mentioned
button press operation freely (for example, the passenger is
carrying stuff with both hands, or the passenger has difficulty in
walking and is sitting in a wheelchair), the elevator calling
operation becomes difficult, affecting the passenger's
experience.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention,
provided is a communication system for use in an elevator system,
including: a first bluetooth module for broadcasting a first
bluetooth signal and automatically establishing a first bluetooth
connection with a personal mobile terminal based on the first
bluetooth signal, and receiving an elevator calling request command
regarding an elevator calling direction sent from the personal
mobile terminal when establishing the first bluetooth connection;
and a second bluetooth module for broadcasting a second bluetooth
signal and automatically establishing a second bluetooth connection
with the personal mobile terminal based on the second bluetooth
signal, and receiving a target floor registration command sent from
the personal mobile terminal when establishing the second bluetooth
connection, wherein the first bluetooth module is mounted in an
elevator landing area of the elevator system, and the second
bluetooth module is mounted in an elevator car of the elevator
system.
[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention,
provided is an elevator system, including: a communication system
provided by the first aspect of the present invention; and an
elevator controller for controlling the running of one or more
elevator cars in the elevator system, wherein the elevator
controller is coupled to the first bluetooth module and the second
bluetooth module and controls the running of the one or more
elevator cars in the elevator system at least in response to the
elevator calling request command and/or the target floor
registration command.
[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention,
provided is a communication method for performing an elevator
calling operation in an elevator system, including steps of:
receiving a first bluetooth signal broadcasted by a first bluetooth
module mounted in an elevator landing area of the elevator system;
automatically establishing a first bluetooth connection between a
personal mobile terminal and the first bluetooth module based on
the first bluetooth signal; sending an elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction to the first
bluetooth module; disconnecting the first bluetooth connection;
after disconnecting the first bluetooth connection, receiving a
second bluetooth signal broadcasted by a second bluetooth module
mounted in an elevator car of the elevator system; automatically
establishing a second bluetooth connection between the personal
mobile terminal and the second bluetooth module based on the second
bluetooth signal; the personal mobile terminal sending a target
floor registration command to the second bluetooth module; and
disconnecting the second bluetooth connection.
[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
provided is a communication method for performing an elevator
calling operation in an elevator system, wherein a first bluetooth
module mounted in an elevator landing area of the elevator system
broadcasts a first bluetooth signal, and a second bluetooth module
mounted in an elevator car of the elevator system broadcasts a
second bluetooth signal, and the method includes steps of: the
first bluetooth signal being received by a personal mobile terminal
near the first bluetooth module; automatically establishing a first
bluetooth connection between the personal mobile terminal and the
first bluetooth module based on the first bluetooth signal; the
first bluetooth module receiving an elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction sent from the
personal mobile terminal; disconnecting the first bluetooth
connection; the second bluetooth signal being received by the
personal mobile terminal near the second bluetooth module;
automatically establishing a second bluetooth connection between
the personal mobile terminal and the second bluetooth module based
on the second bluetooth signal; the second bluetooth module
receiving a target floor registration command sent from the
personal mobile terminal; and disconnecting the second bluetooth
connection.
[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
provided is a personal mobile terminal which is configured to be
able to receive a first bluetooth signal broadcasted by a first
bluetooth module mounted in an elevator landing area of the
elevator system and be able to receive a second bluetooth signal
broadcasted by a second bluetooth module mounted in an elevator car
of the elevator system, wherein the personal mobile terminal
includes: a bluetooth connection management module for successively
automatically establishing a first bluetooth connection with the
first bluetooth module and a second bluetooth connection with the
second bluetooth module respectively based on the first bluetooth
signal and the second bluetooth signal; a first command sending
module for automatically sending an elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction to the
corresponding first bluetooth module when the first bluetooth
connection is established; and a second command sending module for
automatically sending a target floor registration command to the
corresponding second bluetooth module when the second bluetooth
connection is established.
[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention,
provided is a personal mobile terminal, including: a memory, a
processor and a computer program that is stored in the memory and
can run on the processor, wherein the processor realizes steps in
the communication method provided by the third aspect of the
present invention when executing the program.
[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention,
provided is a computer readable storage medium storing a computer
program thereon, wherein the program is executed by a processor to
realize steps of the method provided in the third aspect of the
present invention.
[0011] According to the description and accompanying drawings
below, the above features and operations of the present invention
will become more obvious.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The detailed description below in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings will make the above-mentioned and other
objects and advantages of the present invention more complete and
clearer, wherein identical or similar elements are expressed in
identical labels.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system for
use in an elevator system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of
a communication system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another application
scenario of a communication system according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an elevator
calling control panel according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a target floor
registration control panel according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication method for
performing an elevator calling operation according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of modules of a
personal mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention will now be described more completely
with reference to the accompanying drawings, where exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the
present invention can be implemented in many different forms and
should not be understood as limitations to the embodiments
elaborated here. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so
that the present disclosure becomes more thorough and complete, and
fully conveys the concept of the present invention to a person
skilled in the art.
[0021] Some block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are
functional entities and are not necessarily corresponding to
physically or logically independent entities. These functional
entities may be implemented in the form of software, or in one or
more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different
processing apparatuses and/or microcontroller apparatuses.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system
for use in an elevator system according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The communication system of the embodiments of
the present invention is described below in conjunction with the
application scenarios of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0023] The communication system 10 of the embodiments of the
present invention is applied in a building which is mounted with an
elevator system 100. The elevator system 100 includes a plurality
of elevator cars 110 traveling up and down in hoistways of the
building. FIG. 1 shows two of the elevator cars, i.e., 110-1 and
110-2. The traveling or stopping of each elevator car 110 in the
hoistways, namely each elevator car 110, is controlled by an
elevator controller 140 in the elevator system 100, the particular
control mode or control principle of the elevator controller 140
over one or more elevator cars 110 is not restrictive, and the
particular structure or arrangement manner, etc. of the elevator
controller 140 is not restrictive either. Generally, the elevator
controller 140 needs to acquire an elevator calling request command
from each elevator landing area 410, and acquire target floor
registration information about a passenger, so as to control the
operation of the elevator based on them, for example, performing
scheduling control over each elevator car 110.
[0024] In order to acquire the elevator calling request command
from each elevator landing area 410, a first bluetooth module 120
is arranged in the communication system 10; the first bluetooth
module 120 can be mounted in each elevator landing area 410 of the
elevator system 100 (as shown in FIG. 3), for example, the first
bluetooth module 120-1 is mounted in the elevator landing area
410-1, the first bluetooth module 120-2 is mounted in the elevator
landing area 410-2, and the first bluetooth module 120-3 is mounted
in the elevator landing area 410-3. It should be understood that
each elevator landing area 410 may be mounted with one or more
first bluetooth modules 120, so that the first bluetooth signal
sent out by the first bluetooth module 120 can substantially
effectively cover each elevator landing area 410.
[0025] In one embodiment, the first bluetooth module 120 can be
integratedly arranged in an elevator calling control panel 12 of
the elevator system 100, wherein the elevator calling control panel
12 is generally mounted at two sides of the landing door of the
elevator landing area 410, and the elevator calling control panel
12 can be provided with for example an "upward" or "downward"
elevator calling button, so as to realize the manual input of an
elevator calling request command based on the elevator calling
control panel 12. The particular integration and arrangement manner
of the first bluetooth module 120 with respect to the elevator
calling control panel 12 will be described thereafter in
conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0026] In one embodiment, the first bluetooth module 120 can
particularly be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. The first
bluetooth signal broadcast or transmitted all along or persistently
by the first bluetooth module 120 can substantially effectively
cover the elevator landing area 410 where it is located. The first
bluetooth signal can, for example, be correspondingly a BLE signal,
which can include a wake-up signal for waking up a personal mobile
terminal 200, or further include a data signal that reflects a
universally unique identifier (UUID) of the first bluetooth module
120 and/or the floor location information about where the first
bluetooth module 120 is located. The particular signal form of the
first bluetooth signal is not restrictive.
[0027] In one embodiment, each personal mobile terminal 200 is
configured to be able to automatically wake up from a sleep mode
based on the received wake-up signal. For example, when a passenger
carrying a personal mobile terminal 200 walks towards the elevator
landing area 410, the personal mobile terminal 200 in a sleep mode
will be able to receive a first bluetooth signal broadcasted by the
first bluetooth module 120 (if the distance is close enough),
especially a wake-up signal. At this moment, the personal mobile
terminal 200 will be able to wake up from the sleep mode based on
the wake-up signal, so as to make preparation for the automatic
establishment of a first bluetooth connection.
[0028] It should be noted that when the personal mobile terminal
200 is in a sleep mode, it can receive a bluetooth signal, but it
cannot automatically establish a bluetooth connection with the
first bluetooth module 120/second bluetooth module 130, etc., and
cannot automatically send an elevator calling request command or a
target floor registration command either.
[0029] Each personal mobile terminal 200 can determine the signal
strength of the first bluetooth signal received thereby, and in one
embodiment, the personal mobile terminal 200 is configured with a
received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for determining the
signal strength of the first bluetooth signal or any other
bluetooth signals received thereby.
[0030] In another embodiment, the first bluetooth module 120 may
not broadcast a wake-up signal, and when the personal mobile
terminal 200 cannot receive a wake-up signal, each personal mobile
terminal 200 in sleep mode can also automatically wake up from a
sleep mode when the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal
received changes from relatively weak (e.g. 0) to equal to or
greater than a first strength value.
[0031] Generally, the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal
attenuates with the broadcast distance thereof, and therefore, the
personal mobile terminal 200 that receives the first bluetooth
signal can substantially determine the distance from the personal
mobile terminal 200 to the first bluetooth module 120 according to
the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal. It is to be
understood that the distance changes dynamically as the passenger
walks in the elevator landing area 410.
[0032] Again, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the communication
system 10 further includes a plurality of second bluetooth modules
130, and each second bluetooth module 130 is mounted in each
elevator car 110, for example, one second bluetooth module 130-1 is
arranged in the elevator car 110-1, and one second bluetooth module
130-2 is arranged in the elevator car 110-2. In one embodiment, the
second bluetooth module is mounted on a target floor registration
control panel 13 in the elevator car 110 (as shown in FIG. 5) and
is integratedly arranged on the target floor registration control
panel 13. The particular integration and arrangement manner of the
second bluetooth module 130 with regard to the target floor
registration control panel 13 is described thereafter in
conjunction with FIG. 5.
[0033] The second bluetooth module 130 can particularly be a
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. The second bluetooth signal
broadcast or transmitted all along or persistently by the second
bluetooth module 130 can substantially effectively cover the area
in the elevator car 110 where it is installed. The first bluetooth
signal can, for example, correspondingly be a bluetooth low energy
signal, which can include a wake-up signal for waking up a personal
mobile terminal 200 or can further include a data signal that
reflects the UUID of the second bluetooth module 130 and/or the
floor location information about where the second bluetooth module
130 is located. The particular signal form of the second bluetooth
signal is not restrictive. However, it should be understood that it
is possible to distinguish the second bluetooth signal from the
first bluetooth signal by setting the particular signal form and/or
signal strength of the second bluetooth signal and enable the
personal mobile terminal 200 that receives the first bluetooth
signal and/or the second bluetooth signal to distinctively
recognize them.
[0034] Each personal mobile terminal 200 can determine the signal
strength of the second bluetooth signal received thereby, and in
one embodiment, the personal mobile terminal 200 is configured with
a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for determining the
signal strength of the second bluetooth signal or any other
bluetooth signals received thereby. Generally, the signal strength
of the second bluetooth signal attenuates with the broadcast
distance thereof, and therefore, the personal mobile terminal 200
that receives the second bluetooth signal can substantially
determine the distance from the personal mobile terminal 200 to the
second bluetooth module 120 according to the signal strength of the
second bluetooth signal. It is to be understood that the distance
changes dynamically as the passenger walks into the elevator car
110.
[0035] It should be noted that each first bluetooth module 120 and
second bluetooth module 130 in the communication system 10 are
coupled to an elevator controller 140, for example, they are
coupled to the elevator controller 140 respectively through the
elevator calling control panel 12 and the target floor registration
control panel 13; therefore, the elevator calling request command
and the elevator calling request command respectively received by
the first bluetooth module 120 and the second bluetooth module 130
can be transmitted to the elevator controller 140.
[0036] Again, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the communication
system 10 further includes a personal mobile terminal 200 carried
by a passenger, for example, personal mobile terminals 200-1 and
200-2 respectively carried by two passengers. Each personal mobile
terminal 200 can establish a first bluetooth connection 320 with
the first bluetooth module 120, and each personal mobile terminal
200 can establish a second bluetooth connection 330 with the second
bluetooth module 130.
[0037] The personal mobile terminal 200 can be various smart
terminals with a bluetooth connection function that are convenient
for passengers to carry. For example, the personal mobile terminal
200 can be a smart phone, a wearable smart device (e.g., a smart
bracelet), a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., on which a
corresponding application program (e.g. an APP) can be mounted to
realize its function.
[0038] When a first bluetooth module 120 broadcasts a first
bluetooth signal, a personal mobile terminal 200 carried by a
passenger near the first bluetooth module 120 will be able to
automatically receive the first bluetooth signal, and based on the
first bluetooth signal, the personal mobile terminal 200
automatically establishes a first bluetooth connection 320 with the
corresponding first bluetooth module 120; moreover, when
establishing the first bluetooth connection, the personal mobile
terminal 200 sends an elevator calling request command regarding an
elevator calling direction (e.g., a " travel upward" or " travel
downward" elevator calling request command), the first bluetooth
module 120 receives the elevator calling request command regarding
the elevator calling direction sent from the personal mobile
terminal 200, and the first bluetooth module 120 can further send
the elevator calling request command to the elevator controller
140, so that the elevator controller 140 controls the running of
one or more elevator cars 110 in the elevator system 100 based on
the elevator calling request command. The elevator calling request
command automatically sent by the personal mobile terminal 200 can
replace the elevator calling request command inputted by manually
pressing the elevator calling button; moreover, the above process
can be automatically realized without the need for the passenger to
operate the personal mobile terminal 200 and is easy and convenient
to realize.
[0039] Taking the application scenario shown in FIG. 2 as an
example, when two passengers, for example, enters the elevator
landing area 410 (e.g., a waiting area in a lobby), the personal
mobile terminal 200-1 or 200-2 (e.g. a cell phone, whether in hand
or in a hand bag) carried by them will automatically sense a first
bluetooth signal sent by a first bluetooth module 120 mounted in
the elevator landing area 410 (the personal mobile terminal 200-1
or 200-2 is close enough to the first bluetooth module 120), and
thus establish a handshake connection with the first bluetooth
module 120 based on the first bluetooth signal, namely establishing
a first bluetooth connection 320; the personal mobile terminal
200-1 or 200-2 automatically sends an elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction, and thus
automatically completes the elevator calling request command
without the need for the passenger to manually press the elevator
calling button mounted on the elevator calling control panel 12 or
manually operate the personal mobile terminal 200-1 or 200-2.
Therefore, the present invention realizes that a passenger
automatically inputs an elevator calling request command in the
elevator system 100 in a hand free mode, greatly enhancing the
passenger's experience.
[0040] It should be noted that each first bluetooth module 120
establishes a first bluetooth connection 320 with only one personal
mobile terminal 200 at a certain moment, and each first bluetooth
module 120 can successively establish a first bluetooth connection
320 with personal mobile terminals 200 carried by a plurality of
passengers near the first bluetooth module 120. After establishing
a first bluetooth connection 320 with the first bluetooth module
120 and sending a corresponding elevator calling request command,
each personal mobile terminal 200 will actively disconnect the
first bluetooth connection 320 so as to make preparation for the
automatic establishment of a first bluetooth connection 320 between
the first bluetooth module 120 and the personal mobile terminal 200
of the next passenger. In one embodiment, the first bluetooth
module 120 is configured to return a first confirmation message to
a corresponding personal mobile terminal 200 after receiving an
elevator calling request command, and the first confirmation
message indicates that the elevator calling request command is
successfully accepted by the elevator system 100; and the personal
mobile terminal 200 is configured to actively disconnect the first
bluetooth connection 320 based on the first confirmation message
received.
[0041] It should be noted that the "elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction" does not contain
the target floor information about the passenger, or the target
floor information is not recognized or used by the elevator
controller 140 even if it is contained. Therefore, in one
embodiment of the present invention, a second bluetooth connection
with the personal mobile terminal 200 is also established in
dependence on the second bluetooth module 130.
[0042] Again, as shown in FIG. 1, when a second bluetooth module
130 broadcasts a second bluetooth signal, a personal mobile
terminal 200 carried by a passenger near the second bluetooth
module 130 will continue to be able to automatically receive the
second bluetooth signal (at this moment, the first bluetooth
connection previously established between the personal mobile
terminal 200 and the first bluetooth module 120 has already been
disconnected), and based on the second bluetooth signal, the
personal mobile terminal 200 automatically establishes a second
bluetooth connection 330 with the corresponding second bluetooth
module 130; moreover, when establishing the second bluetooth
connection 330, the personal mobile terminal 200 sends a target
floor registration command about target floor information, the
second bluetooth module 130 receives an elevator calling request
command regarding an elevator calling direction sent from the
personal mobile terminal 200, and the second bluetooth module 130
can further send the target floor registration command to the
elevator controller 140, so that the elevator controller 140
controls the running of one or more elevator cars 110 in the
elevator system 100 based on the target floor registration command.
The target floor registration command automatically sent by the
personal mobile terminal 200 can replace the target floor
registration command inputted by manually pressing the floor
button; moreover, the above process can be automatically realized
without the need for the passenger to operate the personal mobile
terminal 200, and is likewise easy and convenient to realize.
[0043] Taking the application scenario shown in FIG. 3 as an
example, when a passenger enters the elevator car 110 for example,
the personal mobile terminal 200 (e.g. a cell phone, whether in
hand or in a hand bag) carried by him will automatically sense a
second bluetooth signal sent by a second bluetooth module 130
mounted on the elevator car 110, and thus establish a handshake
connection with the second bluetooth module 130 based on the second
bluetooth signal, namely establishing a second bluetooth connection
330; the personal mobile terminal 200 automatically sends a target
floor registration command containing target floor information, and
thus automatically completes the target floor registration command
without the need for the passenger to manually press the floor
button mounted on the target floor registration control panel 13 or
manually operate the personal mobile terminal 200. Therefore, the
present invention realizes that a passenger automatically inputs a
target floor registration command in the elevator system 100 in a
hand free mode, greatly enhancing the passenger's experience.
[0044] It should be noted that each second bluetooth module 130
establishes a second bluetooth connection 330 with only one
personal mobile terminal 200 at a certain moment, and each second
bluetooth module 130 can successively establish a second bluetooth
connection 330 with personal mobile terminals 200 carried by a
plurality of passengers near the second bluetooth module 130. After
establishing a second bluetooth connection 330 with the second
bluetooth module 130 and sending a corresponding target floor
registration command, each personal mobile terminal 200 will
actively disconnect the second bluetooth connection 330 so as to
make preparation for the establishment of a second bluetooth
connection 330 between the second bluetooth module 130 and the
personal mobile terminal 200 of the next passenger. In one
embodiment, the second bluetooth module 130 is configured to return
a second confirmation message to a corresponding personal mobile
terminal 200 after receiving the target floor registration command,
and the second confirmation message indicates that the target floor
registration command is successfully accepted by the elevator
system 100; and the personal mobile terminal 200 is configured to
actively disconnect the second bluetooth connection 330 based on
the second confirmation message received.
[0045] It should be understood that the above-mentioned process
from establishing a first bluetooth connection to disconnecting the
first bluetooth connection can be completed in a short time, and
likewise, the above-mentioned process from establishing a second
bluetooth connection to disconnecting the second bluetooth
connection can also be completed in a short time, for example
within a time range in the order of magnitude of milliseconds, so
that one first bluetooth module 120 or second bluetooth module 130
can successively achieve a first bluetooth connection or a second
bluetooth connection with many personal mobile terminals 200 in a
short time, and the many personal mobile terminals 200 can complete
an elevator calling operation substantially at the same time in a
short time period.
[0046] It can be known in conjunction with the application
scenarios shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 that in the process that a
certain passenger enters the lobby of a building and arrives at a
target floor, as long as he/she carries a personal mobile terminal
200, he/she can take an elevator to the target floor without
performing any operation, thereby greatly enhancing the passenger's
experience.
[0047] It should be further noted that in the communication system
10 of the embodiments of the present invention, an elevator calling
request command regarding an elevator calling direction and a
target floor registration command are successively sent through a
personal mobile terminal 200; moreover, they are also respectively
transmitted to the first bluetooth module 120 and the second
bluetooth module 130 successively based on the automatically
established first bluetooth connection 320 and second bluetooth
connection 330, realizing the separate operation of the input of
the elevator calling request command regarding the elevator calling
direction and the input of the target floor registration command.
This elevator calling operation mode realized in the communication
system 10 distinctively differs from another elevator calling
operation mode, that is, automatically sending or automatically
inputting an elevator calling request command regarding an elevator
calling direction and target floor information once at the same
time. In this elevator calling operation mode realized by the
communication system 10 of the present application, when the
elevator controller 140 of the elevator system 100 is performing
scheduling control, it will not be and is not necessarily limited
to assign a certain specified elevator car 110 to a passenger
corresponding to a certain personal mobile terminal 200; therefore,
when the passenger is waiting for an elevator at a certain elevator
landing area 410, he/she will not need to take out the personal
mobile terminal 200 to watch it and learn serial number
information, etc. about the assigned elevator car 110, and as long
as an elevator car 110 of which the running direction is consistent
with the elevator calling direction arrives and the passenger walks
in the elevator car 110, the registration of the target floor can
be automatically realized. The whole process of taking the elevator
completely eliminates the need for hand operation and fully
realizes the effect of hand free.
[0048] While as a comparison, another elevator calling operation
mode mentioned above obviously has the following deficiencies
relative to the present application: in the first aspect, the
elevator controller needs to perform scheduling control to assign a
specified elevator car for the passenger and automatically register
the target floor in the elevator car, and therefore, the serial
number of a certain elevator car assigned needs to be sent to the
passenger, and the passenger needs to watch and learn the serial
number information about the assigned elevator car 110, thereby
guiding the passenger to walk into the corresponding assigned
elevator car, which has a high demand on the passenger but also
realizes the effect of hand free; in the second aspect, once the
passenger walks into a wrong elevator car (i.e., having failed to
take the specified elevator car, which is easy to happen), the
passenger needs to input target floor information by manually
pressing the floor button in the elevator car, which is difficult
to actually realize the effect of hand free; and in the third
aspect, once the passenger walks into a wrong elevator car, the
specified elevator car has already been registered with a target
floor, and the specified elevator car will continue to operate
according to the originally registered target floor information,
enormously affecting the overall operating efficiency of the
elevator system.
[0049] Moreover, the elevator system 100 of the embodiments of the
present invention can be conveniently realized by reconstructing an
existing elevator system, and has a low reconstruction cost, for
example, arranging a first bluetooth module 120 of the present
application on the elevator calling control panel by way of
expansion, and arranging a second bluetooth module 130 of the
present application on the target floor registration control panel
by way of expansion, which can rapidly realize the reconstruction
of an existing elevator with low costs. Below is the specific
description of how to arrange the first bluetooth module 120 and
the second bluetooth module 130 in the communication system 10 of
the present invention in conjunction with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the first bluetooth module 120 of the
embodiments of the present invention is integrated on the elevator
calling control panel 12 of an elevator 100. The elevator calling
control panel 12 is generally mounted in the elevator landing area
410, and in one embodiment, the elevator calling control panel 12
is connected with the elevator controller 140 via a bus, and an RSL
(Remote Serial Link) communication connection is established
between the elevator calling control panel 12 and the elevator
controller 140 of the elevator system 100 based on, for example but
not limited to, the RSL protocol; correspondingly, for example an
RSL processor 129 can be arranged in the elevator calling control
panel 12, and the RSL processor 129 can not only receive an
elevator calling request command from the first bluetooth module
120, but also can receive an elevator calling request command
corresponding to pressing an elevator calling button on the
elevator calling control panel 12, and the elevator calling request
command is processed according to the RSL protocol and then sent to
the elevator controller 140.
[0051] The first bluetooth module 120 can particularly be realized
by a bluetooth processor 121, a memory 124 and a bluetooth antenna
123, etc. The bluetooth antenna 123 can be used for receiving and
broadcasting a bluetooth signal (for example, broadcasting a first
bluetooth signal), and a filter 122 can be arranged between the
bluetooth antenna 123 and the bluetooth processor 121 to filter the
bluetooth signals. A corresponding program module can be configured
or mounted on the memory 124 to realize the function of the first
bluetooth module 120 of the present invention, and the memory 124
can also set or store, for example, the UUID of the first bluetooth
module 120 and/or the floor location information about where the
first bluetooth module 120 is located, etc. The bluetooth processor
121 of the first bluetooth module 120 can establish a corresponding
communication connection with the RSL processor 129 of the elevator
calling control panel 12 while working, for example a serial port
connection established based on a Universal Asynchronous
Receiver/Transmitter (UART). When the first bluetooth module 120 is
working, the bluetooth processor 121 and the RSL processor 129
shake hands and constantly perform communication connection
verification. As such, an elevator calling request command obtained
by the first bluetooth module 120 can be transmitted, in real time,
to the RSL processor 129 of the elevator calling control panel 12
for processing, and then be sent, in real time, to the elevator
controller 140. It is to be understood that when transmitting the
elevator calling request command to the RSL processor 129, the
first bluetooth module 120 can also transmit, for example, the UUID
and/or floor location information, etc. pre-stored in the memory
124.
[0052] In one embodiment, the elevator calling request command,
etc. received by the first bluetooth module 120 can be recorded in
the memory 140, the bluetooth processor 121 of the first bluetooth
module 120 can send out an instruction to the RSL processor 129,
and then further to the elevator controller 140, so as to read
information stored in the elevator controller 140 or the elevator
system 100, e.g., running state information, running historical
status information, repairing or maintenance record information,
and so on, which can be the results of beforehand analysis and
processing; after obtaining these pieces of information, the first
bluetooth module 120 can wirelessly transmit these pieces of
information to a digital terminal (which can be for example a cell
phone, a personal digital assistant) carried by a staff such as a
maintenance staff through the bluetooth antenna 123, and at this
moment, the digital terminal has already been authorized to
establish a bluetooth connection with the first bluetooth module
120. Consequently, it is convenient for the maintenance staff to
rapidly and conveniently acquire some information about the
elevator system 100 at the elevator landing area 410, for example,
information required for daily maintenance work, information
required for repairing the elevator, etc. Therefore, through the
first bluetooth module 120 of the embodiments of the present
invention integrated in the elevator calling control panel 12, the
information stored in the elevator system 100 can be conveniently
acquired at the elevator landing area 410, which is convenient for
the daily maintenance or repairing of the elevator system 100.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, a second bluetooth module 130 of the
embodiments of the present invention is integrated on the target
floor registration control panel 13 of the elevator 100. The target
floor registration control panel 13 is generally mounted in the
elevator car 110, and in one embodiment, the target floor
registration control panel 13 is connected with the elevator
controller 140 via a bus, and an RSL (Remote Serial Link)
communication connection is established between the target floor
registration control panel 13 and the elevator controller 140 of
the elevator system 100 based on, for example but not limited to,
an RSL protocol; correspondingly, for example an RSL processor 139
can be arranged in the target floor registration control panel 13,
and the RSL processor 139 can not only receive a target floor
registration command from the second bluetooth module 130, but also
can receive a target floor registration command corresponding to
pressing a floor button on the target floor registration control
panel 13, and the target floor registration command is processed
according to the RSL protocol and then sent to the elevator
controller 140. The second bluetooth module 130 can particularly be
realized by a bluetooth processor 131, a memory 134 and a bluetooth
antenna 133, etc. The bluetooth antenna 133 can be used for
receiving and broadcasting a bluetooth signal (for example,
broadcasting a first bluetooth signal), and a filter 132 can be
provided between the bluetooth antenna 133 and the bluetooth
processor 131 to filter the bluetooth signal. A corresponding
program can be arranged or mounted on the memory 134 to realize the
function of the second bluetooth module 130 of the present
invention, and the memory 124 can also set or store, for example,
the UUID of the second bluetooth module 130 and/or the elevator car
where the second bluetooth module 130 is located, etc. The
bluetooth processor 131 of the second bluetooth module 130 can
establish a corresponding communication connection with the RSL
processor 139 of the target floor registration control panel 13
while working, for example a serial port connection established
based on a UART. When the second bluetooth module 130 is working,
the bluetooth processor 131 and the RSL processor 139 shake hands
and constantly perform communication connection verification. As
such, a target floor registration command obtained by the second
bluetooth module 130 can be transmitted, in real time, to the RSL
processor 139 of the target floor registration control panel 13 for
processing, and then be sent, in real time, to the elevator
controller 140.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method for
performing an elevator calling operation according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The communication method of
the embodiments of the present invention is described below in
conjunction with FIG. 1 to FIG. 6. Also exemplified is how a
passenger carrying a personal mobile terminal 200 performs an
elevator calling operation based on the communication method.
[0055] Firstly, the passenger carrying the personal mobile terminal
200 enters a certain elevator landing area 410, and the personal
mobile terminal 200 approaches a first bluetooth module 120 mounted
in the elevator landing area 410. In this process, the personal
mobile terminal 200 is in a sleep mode, and the personal mobile
terminal 200 can constantly scan bluetooth signals, i.e., step
S510. Moreover, whether a wake-up signal in a first bluetooth
signal broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120 mounted in the
elevator landing area 410 is scanned is judged, i.e., step S520,
until a determination result is "yes"; and step S530 is entered to
wake up the personal mobile terminal 200 in the sleep mode.
[0056] It should be noted that the personal mobile terminal 200 is
not limited to using the received wake-up signal to wake up the
personal mobile terminal 200 in the sleep mode; in another
embodiment, when the personal mobile terminal 200 scans a first
bluetooth signal broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120, the
signal strength of the first bluetooth signal that is scanned will
be determined at the same time, and enables the personal mobile
terminal 200 to automatically wake up from the sleep mode if the
signal strength of the first bluetooth signal changes from
relatively weak to equal to or greater than a first strength value;
in yet another embodiment, when the personal mobile terminal 200
scans a first bluetooth signal broadcasted by the first bluetooth
module 120, the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal that
is scanned will be determined at the same time, and the current
distance from the personal mobile terminal 200 to the first
bluetooth module 120 will be roughly determined based on the
magnitude of the signal strength, so as to enable the personal
mobile terminal 200 to automatically wake up from the sleep mode
when the distance from the personal mobile terminal 200 to the
first bluetooth module 120 is smaller than or equal to a certain
predetermined value (e.g., a first distance threshold value).
Further, in step S540, the personal mobile terminal 200 continues
to scan so as to continue to receive the first bluetooth signal
broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120. In this step, as the
passenger has the need to take the elevator, the personal mobile
terminal 200 may be constantly approaching the first bluetooth
module 120.
[0057] Further, in step S550, whether the current distance between
the personal mobile terminal 200 and the first bluetooth module 120
is smaller than or equal to a first distance threshold value is
judged according to the signal strength of the first bluetooth
signal scanned. In this step, in one embodiment, the personal
mobile terminal 200 can determine the current distance between the
personal mobile terminal 200 and the first bluetooth module 120
according to the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal
scanned, so as to judge whether the distance is smaller than or
equal to the first distance threshold value according to the
pre-entered or pre-determined first distance threshold value,
wherein the first distance threshold value can specifically be
selected and set according to the signal strength of the first
bluetooth signal broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120, the
specific architectural structure of the elevator landing area,
etc., for example, in the range of 3 to 20 meters, thus reflecting,
as accurately as possible, that a passenger in the range smaller
than or equal to the first distance threshold value indeed has the
intention to take the elevator (i.e., having an elevator calling
need).
[0058] It should be noted that in another embodiment, whether to
establish a second bluetooth connection can be judged directly
based on the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal
scanned, and specifically, the personal mobile terminal 200 can
judge, according to the signal strength of the second bluetooth
signal scanned, whether the signal strength changes from relatively
weak (e.g., 0) to equal to or greater than a second strength value,
and the second strength value can correspondingly be, for example,
a signal strength value of the corresponding second bluetooth
signal in the case of the second distance threshold value.
[0059] If a determination result is "no", step S540 is returned to,
to continue scanning; if a determination result "yes", step S560 is
entered, to automatically establish a first bluetooth connection
between the first bluetooth module 120 and the personal mobile
terminal 200; at this moment, the first bluetooth module 120 can
send a data signal to the personal mobile terminal 200, for
example, a data signal that reflects the UUID of the first
bluetooth module 120, a data signal that reflects the floor
location information about where the first bluetooth module is
located, etc., so that the personal mobile terminal 200 can learn
to which first bluetooth module 120 it is connected and
automatically acquire the floor location information about where it
is currently located.
[0060] Further, in step S570, an elevator calling request command
regarding an elevator calling direction is sent to the first
bluetooth module 120. In step S570, the first bluetooth module 120
simultaneously receives the elevator calling request command, and
after receiving the elevator calling request command, as shown in
FIG. 4, the RSL processor 129 in the elevator calling control panel
12 can process the elevator calling request command and then
transmit same to the elevator controller 140 via a bus, and of
course can transmit the floor location information, etc. to the
elevator controller 140.
[0061] Further, in step S580, after the elevator calling request
command is successfully accepted, a confirmation message is
returned to the personal mobile terminal 200. If the elevator
calling request command is successfully accepted by the elevator
controller 140, i.e., the elevator controller 140 will control the
running of one or more elevator cars 110 in the elevator system 10
based on the elevator calling request command, then the elevator
controller 140 will return a confirmation message to the RSL
processor 129, and the confirmation message is further returned to
the first bluetooth module 120 and is further returned to the
personal mobile terminal 200.
[0062] Further, in step S590, after receiving the confirmation
message, the personal mobile terminal 200 actively disconnects the
first bluetooth connection, to make preparation for the
establishment of a connection between the personal mobile terminal
200 and the second bluetooth module 130, and also make preparation
for the establishment of a first bluetooth connection between the
first bluetooth module 120 and other personal mobile terminals
200.
[0063] Further, in step S610, the personal mobile terminal 200
continues to scan, and the signal strength of the second bluetooth
signal broadcasted by the second bluetooth module 130 is weaker
relative to the first bluetooth signal, and if the elevator car 110
corresponding to the second bluetooth module 130 arrives at the
elevator landing area 410 and the personal mobile terminal 200 is
close enough relative to the second bluetooth module 130, then the
personal mobile terminal 200 will scan the second bluetooth signal,
for example, the passenger carrying the personal mobile terminal
200 is walking into the elevator car 110 or has already walked into
the elevator car 110, and the second bluetooth signal can be
scanned.
[0064] Further, in step S620, whether the current distance between
the personal mobile terminal 200 and the second bluetooth module
130 is smaller than or equal to a second distance threshold value
is judged according to the signal strength of the second bluetooth
signal scanned. In this step, the personal mobile terminal 200 can
determine the current distance between the personal mobile terminal
200 and the second bluetooth module 130 according to the signal
strength of the second bluetooth signal scanned, so as to be able
to judge whether the distance is smaller than or equal to a second
distance threshold value according to the pre-entered or
pre-determined second distance threshold value, wherein the second
distance threshold value can specifically be selected and set
according to the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal
broadcasted by the second bluetooth module 130, the size of the
elevator car 110, etc. Optionally, the second distance threshold
value is smaller than the first distance threshold value, and the
second distance threshold value is set in the range of 0.7 to 1
meter, so as to avoid firstly establishing a second bluetooth
connection and then establishing a first bluetooth connection when
a passenger enters the elevator landing area 410, and it can also
be avoided as far as possible that the personal mobile terminal 200
of a passenger who is outside the elevator car 110 and is
definitely not intending to take the elevator car 110 establishes a
second bluetooth connection with the second bluetooth module 130.
By setting the size of the second distance threshold value, it is
possible to reflect, as accurately as possible, whether a passenger
in the range smaller than or equal to the second distance threshold
value is walking into the elevator car 110 or has already walked
into the elevator car 110.
[0065] It should be noted that in another embodiment, whether to
establish a second bluetooth connection can be judged directly
based on the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal
scanned, and specifically, the personal mobile terminal 200 can
judge, according to the signal strength of the second bluetooth
signal scanned, whether the signal strength changes from relatively
weak (e.g., 0) to equal to or greater than a second strength value,
and the second strength value can correspondingly be, for example,
a signal strength value of the corresponding second bluetooth
signal in the case of the second distance threshold value.
[0066] If a determination result is "no", step S610 is returned to,
to continue scanning; if a determination result is "yes", step S630
is entered, to automatically establish a second bluetooth
connection between the second bluetooth module 130 and the personal
mobile terminal 200; at this moment, the second bluetooth module
130 can send a data signal to the personal mobile terminal 200, for
example, a data signal that reflects the UUID of the second
bluetooth module 130, a data signal that reflects the floor
location information about where the second bluetooth module 130 is
located, so that the personal mobile terminal 200 can learn to
which second bluetooth module 130 it is connected and in which
elevator car 110 it is located.
[0067] Further, in step S640, a target floor registration command
is sent to the second bluetooth module 130. In step S640, the
second bluetooth module 130 simultaneously receives the target
floor registration command, and after receiving the target floor
registration command, as shown in FIG. 5, the RSL processor 139 in
the target floor registration control panel 13 can process the
target floor registration command and then transmit same to the
elevator controller 140 via a bus.
[0068] Further, in step S650, after the target floor registration
command is successfully accepted by the elevator system 100, a
confirmation message is returned to the personal mobile terminal
200. If the target floor registration command is successfully
accepted by the elevator controller 140, i.e., the elevator
controller 140 will control the operation of the elevator car 110
based on the target floor registration command, then the elevator
controller 140 will return a confirmation message to the RSL
processor 139, and the confirmation message is further returned to
the second bluetooth module 130 and further returned to the
personal mobile terminal 200.
[0069] Further, in step S660, after receiving the confirmation
message, the personal mobile terminal 200 actively disconnects the
second bluetooth connection, to make preparation for the
establishment of a second bluetooth connection between the second
bluetooth module 130 and other personal mobile terminals 200. At
this moment, the elevator calling operation of the passenger has
already been completed, and the passenger will be carried to the
floor corresponding to the target floor registration command.
[0070] Further, in step S670, the personal mobile terminal 200
automatically enters a sleep mode.
[0071] So far, the process of a communication method corresponding
to a personal mobile terminal 200 and an elevator system 100 is
basically completed. However, it is to be understood that the first
bluetooth module 120 and the second bluetooth module 130 of the
elevator system 100 can successively perform the above
communication process with other personal mobile terminals 200; for
example, after a plurality of passengers carrying personal mobile
terminals 200 enter the elevator landing area 130, the above steps
S510 to S590 can be realized successively so that each passenger
can complete the elevator calling operation in the elevator landing
area; and after the plurality of passengers carrying personal
mobile terminals 200 enter the elevator car 110, the above steps
S610 to S670 can be realized successively so that each passenger
can complete the elevator calling operation in the elevator car.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the first bluetooth module 120
establishes a first bluetooth connection with only one personal
mobile terminal 200 at a certain moment, and likewise, the second
bluetooth module 130 establishes a second bluetooth connection with
only one personal mobile terminal 200 at a certain moment; and
moreover, it is to be understood that the time length for
performing the above steps S560 to S590 each time and the time
length for performing the above steps S630 to S660 each time can be
controlled, for example, in the order of magnitude of milliseconds,
so as to satisfy the need that more passengers complete elevator
calling operations basically at the same time in a shorter time
period.
[0072] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a module of a
personal mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the personal mobile terminal 200 is
applied in the communication system 10 as shown in FIG. 1, and is
configured to be able to receive a first bluetooth signal
broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120 mounted in the
elevator landing area 410 of the elevator system 100 and be able to
receive a second bluetooth signal broadcasted by the second
bluetooth module 130 mounted in the elevator car 110 of the
elevator system 100. For example, the personal mobile terminal 200
is configured with a bluetooth communication module 210 to receive
the first bluetooth signal or the second bluetooth signal.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the personal mobile terminal 200 is
provided with a bluetooth connection management module 220 for
successively automatically establishing the first bluetooth
connection and the second bluetooth connection respectively based
on the first bluetooth signal and the second bluetooth signal. The
specific process and principle for automatically establishing the
first bluetooth connection are exemplified in the above description
corresponding to steps S510 to S560 in FIG. 6. In one embodiment,
the bluetooth connection management module 220 is configured to
automatically establish a bluetooth connection with only one of the
first bluetooth module 120 and the second bluetooth module 130 at a
certain moment; as an example, if the bluetooth connection
management module 220 can scan the first bluetooth signal and the
second bluetooth signal at the same time, the bluetooth connection
management module 220 selects only one of them to establish a
corresponding bluetooth connection, wherein the second bluetooth
connection can only be established after the first bluetooth
connection which is earlier established is disconnected.
[0074] In one embodiment, the bluetooth connection management
module 220 is also configured to automatically establish the first
bluetooth connection when signal strength of the first bluetooth
signal it receives changes from relatively weak to equal to or
greater than a first strength value, and/or automatically establish
the second bluetooth connection when signal strength of the second
bluetooth signal it receives changes from relatively weak to equal
to or greater than a second strength value. Here, the first
strength value can be determined in advance according to factors
like the signal strength of the first bluetooth signal broadcast,
the structure of the elevator landing area 410, etc., and the
second strength value can be determined in advance according to
factors like the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal
broadcast.
[0075] In one embodiment, the bluetooth connection management
module 220 is provided with a recognition submodule 221, wherein
the recognition submodule 221 is used for recognizing the first
bluetooth signal and determining a floor location where the first
bluetooth module is located; in one example, the first bluetooth
signal broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120 includes the
UUID thereof, and by recognizing the UUID, the recognition
submodule 221 can recognize which specific bluetooth module
broadcasts the first bluetooth signal, and can even recognize the
floor location information about where the first bluetooth module
is located; and in another example, the first bluetooth signal
broadcasted by the first bluetooth module 120 also includes a data
signal containing the floor location information about where the
first bluetooth module is located, and by recognizing the data
signal, the floor location information about where the first
bluetooth module is located can be determined.
[0076] In one embodiment, the bluetooth connection management
module 220 is also provided with a distance determination submodule
222. When a personal mobile terminal 200 receives a first bluetooth
signal, the distance determination submodule 222 can roughly
determine the distance from the personal mobile terminal 200 to the
first bluetooth module 120 according to the signal strength of the
first bluetooth signal; likewise, when a personal mobile terminal
200 receives a second bluetooth signal, the distance determination
submodule 222 can roughly determine the distance from the personal
mobile terminal 200 to the second bluetooth module 120 according to
the signal strength of the second bluetooth signal. The distance
determination submodule 222 can automatically establish the first
bluetooth connection when the distance from the personal mobile
terminal 200 to the first bluetooth module 120 is smaller than or
equal to a first distance threshold value.
[0077] The bluetooth connection management module 220 can manage
bluetooth connections based on the result obtained by the
recognition submodule 221 and/or the distance determination
submodule 222, for example, judging, according to the determined
distance, whether the distance between the current personal mobile
terminal 200 and the first bluetooth module 120 or the second
bluetooth module 130 is smaller than or equal to a corresponding
first distance threshold value or second distance threshold value,
so as to determine whether to establish a first bluetooth
connection or a second bluetooth connection. The bluetooth
connection management module 220 can specifically set the size of
the first distance threshold value and the size of the second
distance threshold value, and the first distance threshold value is
generally obviously greater than the second distance threshold
value, for example, the first distance threshold value is set in
the range of 3 to 20 meters, and the second distance threshold
value is set in the range of 0.7 to 1 meter. As such, the bluetooth
connection management module 220 can avoid simultaneously
establishing the first bluetooth connection and the second
bluetooth connection. Moreover, the bluetooth connection management
module 220 can also be used for managing the automatic
disconnection of the first bluetooth connection or the second
bluetooth connection, for example, automatically disconnecting the
first bluetooth connection after the personal mobile terminal 200
has already sent out an elevator calling request command, and
automatically disconnecting the second bluetooth connection after
the personal mobile terminal 200 has already sent out a target
floor registration command.
[0078] Again, as shown in FIG. 7, the personal mobile terminal 200
is also provided with a first command sending module 230 for
automatically sending an elevator calling request command regarding
an elevator calling direction to a corresponding first bluetooth
module 120 when establishing the first bluetooth connection; as an
example, if the recognition submodule 221 acquires the floor
location information about where the first bluetooth module 120 is
located, e.g., the lobby floor, an "upward" elevator calling
request command can be sent according to a beforehand elevator
calling request command setting, so as to replace the action of
manually pressing the " upward" elevator calling button.
[0079] Again, as shown in FIG. 7, the personal mobile terminal 200
is also provided with a second command sending module 240 for
automatically sending a target floor registration command to a
corresponding second bluetooth module 130 when establishing the
second bluetooth connection; as an example, if the recognition
submodule 221 acquires the floor location information about where
the first bluetooth module 120 is located, e.g., the lobby floor, a
target floor that the passenger might most possibly want to go to
can be determined according to a beforehand target floor
registration setting, and a corresponding target floor registration
command can be sent, so as to replace the action of manually
pressing the floor button in the elevator car.
[0080] The commands sent by the first command sending module 230
and the second command sending module 240 can be sent out in the
form of bluetooth signals through the bluetooth communication
module 210, for example, sent to the first bluetooth module 120
through a first bluetooth connection channel established, sent to
the second bluetooth module 130 through a second bluetooth
connection channel established.
[0081] Again, as shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the personal
mobile terminal 200 is also provided with a command generation
module 250 which generates an elevator calling request command
and/or a target floor registration command based on a personalized
configuration, so as to be able to generate an accurate elevator
calling request command or a target floor registration command
according to the passenger's condition. As an example, a passenger
corresponding to the personal mobile terminal 200 is carrying out
daily work or life on the Nth floor of an office building or a
residential building, and the passenger can enter the Nth floor in
the command generation module 250 and go to the Nth floor by
completing the hand-free automatic elevator calling operation
through the personal mobile terminal 200 by default, i.e., entering
a personalized configuration; if the passenger is currently located
at the elevator landing area 410 of the (N-x)th floor (which can be
acquired through the recognition submodule 221), then the command
generation module 250 will automatically generate an "upward"
elevator calling request command and provide same to the first
command sending module 230 for sending, and at the same time can
also generate a target floor registration command corresponding to
the Nth floor and provide same to the second command sending module
240 for sending; and if the passenger is currently located at the
elevator landing area 410 of the (N+y)th floor (which can be
acquired through the recognition submodule 221), then the command
generation module 250 will automatically generate a "downward"
elevator calling request command and provide same to the first
command sending module 230 for sending, and at the same time can
also generate a target floor registration command corresponding to
the Nth floor and provide same to the second command sending module
240 for sending.
[0082] If the passenger enters a plurality of floors in the command
generation module 250 and goes to any one of the plurality of
floors by completing the hand-free automatic elevator calling
operation through the personal mobile terminal 200 by default, then
a personalized configuration can be entered according to the set
time period, the condition of the floor where he/she is currently
located, etc., to generate an accurate elevator calling request
command and/or target floor registration command.
[0083] It should be noted that the personal mobile terminal 200 of
the above embodiments of the present invention can be realized by
computer program instructions, for example, by a dedicated APP, and
these computer program instructions can be provided to a processor
of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other
programmable data processing devices, to constitute a personal
mobile terminal 200 of the embodiments of the present invention.
Moreover, the processor of a computer or other programmable data
processing devices can execute these instructions to create a unit
or part for implementing functions/operations specified in these
flowcharts and/or blocks and/or one or more flow block
diagrams.
[0084] Likewise, the first bluetooth module 120 and the second
bluetooth module 130 of the elevator system 100 of the above
embodiments of the present invention can be realized by computer
program instructions, for example, by a dedicated program, and
these computer program instructions can be provided to a processor
to constitute a control module 300 of the embodiments of the
present invention. Moreover, these instructions executed by the
processor of a computer or other programmable data processing
devices can be used to create a unit or part for implementing
functions/operations specified in these flowcharts and/or blocks
and/or one or more flow block diagrams.
[0085] Moreover, these computer program instructions can be stored
in a computer readable memory, these instructions can instruct the
computer or other programmable processors to realize functions in a
specific way, so that these instructions stored in the computer
readable memory construct a manufacturing product that contains an
instruction part for implementing the functions/operations
specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block
diagrams.
[0086] It should also be noted that in some alternative
implementation manners, the functions/operations shown in the
blocks may not happen in the sequence shown in the flowchart. For
example, two blocks that are successively shown can be executed
substantially at the same time in fact, or these blocks sometimes
can be executed in a reversed order, depending on the involved
function/operation in particular.
[0087] It should be noted that the elements (including flowcharts
and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings) disclosed and
depicted in this specification refer to the logic boundary between
elements. However, according to the software or hardware
engineering practice, the depicted elements and the functions
thereof can be executed on a machine through a computer executable
medium, the computer executable medium has a processor that can
execute program instructions stored thereon, and the program
instructions serve as a monolithic software structure, as an
independent software module or as a module using external programs,
code, services, etc., or any combination of them, and all these
execution solutions may fall in the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0088] Although different non-restrictive embodiments have
specifically described components, the embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to these specific combinations. Some of
the components or features from any non-restrictive embodiments can
be used in combination with the features or components of any other
non-restrictive embodiments.
[0089] Although a specific step sequence is shown, disclosed and
claimed, it should be understood that the steps can be implemented,
separated or combined in any order, and will still benefit from the
present disclosure, unless otherwise specified.
[0090] The previous description is exemplary but is not defined to
be limited thereto. This specification discloses various
non-restrictive embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in
the art will be aware that various modifications and changes will
fall in the scope of the accompanying claims according to the
above-mentioned teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that
the disclosed content, except for the specific disclosure, can be
implemented in the scope of the accompanying claims. For this
reason, it is necessary to study the accompanying claims to
determine the actual scope and content.
* * * * *